{"id":6700,"date":"2022-10-20T15:19:54","date_gmt":"2022-10-20T15:19:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/?p=6700"},"modified":"2023-08-09T13:51:27","modified_gmt":"2023-08-09T13:51:27","slug":"best-cut-of-steak-for-fajitas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/best-cut-of-steak-for-fajitas\/","title":{"rendered":"What&#8217;s the Best Cut of Steak for Fajitas? A Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>I think skirt steak is the best cut of steak for fajitas. <\/strong>It cooks fast over a hot grill, can soak up a marinade with ease (if you\u2019re using one), and it\u2019s meltingly tender and with a rich, beefy flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fajita night at my house is a weekly event, and there\u2019s not a <a href=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/beef\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cut of beef<\/a> I haven\u2019t tried to turn into fajita meat. I\u2019ll cover all my other favorite cuts, what I like about them, what temperature to cook your beef to, and more. I\u2019ve even thrown in my favorite fajita recipe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s take a closer look at the best cuts of steak for fajitas. I\u2019ve got answers to all your pressing questions. Say adios to bland fajitas and hola to deliciousness.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Best-Cut-of-Steak-for-Fajitas..jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Best Cut of Steak for Fajitas.\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Best-Cut-of-Steak-for-Fajitas..jpg 1200w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Best-Cut-of-Steak-for-Fajitas.-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Best-Cut-of-Steak-for-Fajitas.-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are the Best Cuts of Steak for Fajitas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve started with my favorite cut, the skirt steak, and worked my way down in order of preference. As you\u2019ll see, the names of cuts can vary by region: when in doubt about the cut, ask your butcher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skirt Steak&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Skirt steak is my ideal candidate for beef fajitas. It comes from the bottom front of the cow, between the brisket and the flank. When cooked correctly, it\u2019s rich and supremely tasty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While still an economical cut of meat, skirt steak prices have risen in recent years. If skirt steak is out of your budget, flank, hanger, and flap steak are still excellent options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related Reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/what-is-ranchera-meat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What is Ranchera Meat and How to Cook it to Perfection?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/skirt-steak-substitutes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sizzling Alternatives: Skirt Steak Substitutes to Spice Things Up<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flank Steak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Flank steak is another popular cut of meat for fajitas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flank steak has a robust, beefy flavor which makes it great for fajitas. However, it can be a bit tough &#8211; make sure you follow my tips to maximize your flank <a href=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/most-tender-cut-of-steak\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">steak\u2019s tenderness<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related Reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/flank-steak-vs-brisket\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Grill Masters&#8217; Dilemma: Flank Steak vs. Brisket<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hanger Steak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The giant hanger steak is also a popular cut of meat for fajitas. It&#8217;s not as tough as a <a href=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/flank-vs-skirt-steak\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">flank or skirt steak<\/a>, but it&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/most-expensive-steak\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">more expensive<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s also called an <strong>arrachera<\/strong> in <strong>South Texas<\/strong>. But in some parts of Mexico and some parts of this country, they actually call this cut a <strong>fajita<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flap Steak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Flap meat is another popular fajita meat. In South Texas, this cut of beef is called<strong> sirloin fajitas<\/strong>. Some places call it a \u201cbavette.\u201d In Mexico, it\u2019s known as \u201carrachera.\u201d It&#8217;s also called a &#8220;ranchera&#8221; in Arizona and New Mexico.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Steak-with-Bell-Peppers-in-a-Cast-Iron-Skillet-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Steak with Bell Peppers in a Cast Iron Skillet\" class=\"wp-image-18147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Steak-with-Bell-Peppers-in-a-Cast-Iron-Skillet.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Steak-with-Bell-Peppers-in-a-Cast-Iron-Skillet-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Steak-with-Bell-Peppers-in-a-Cast-Iron-Skillet-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Are These Cuts Used for Steak Fajitas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you ask the Mexicans or Texans, they&#8217;ll tell you it\u2019s because these cuts are inexpensive. They also soak up marinades well, and when thinly sliced across the grain, they <strong>get super tender and flavorful<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Steaks Used for Fajitas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While many other cuts of beef, such as sirloin, top round, sirloin tip, sirloin flap, <a href=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/london-broil-vs-flank-steak\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">London broil<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/flat-iron-steak-vs-flank-steak\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">flat iron steaks<\/a> are also used for fajitas, I\u2019d avoid them. These are not ideal for fajitas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">So, Which One Do I Like the Most?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I like them all &#8211; I&#8217;m a beef-loving San Franciscan. But my top pick is skirt steak &#8211; it\u2019s the traditional choice and has been used in delicious beef fajitas for decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I also like flank steak, as it\u2019s easy to find at the store and it\u2019s easy to cook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for Cooking Tender and Delicious Beef<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While the cut of beef you select is important, so is how you cook it. Cooking the beef over a hot fire (500\u00b0F) and to the correct temp (125\u00b0F for medium-rare) will make your fajitas absolutely sizzle. <a href=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/cutting-meat-against-the-grain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Slicing against the grain<\/a> will make beef less chewy and divinely tender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow my cooking methods for fajitas that will have your dinner guests begging for <em>mas<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get Your Grill Hot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I aim for around 500\u00b0F. These cuts of meat are ideal when cooked quickly over a ripping hot grill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cook Your Beef to the Correct Temperature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Nothing will ruin your dinner like beef that\u2019s been cooked past medium. It\u2019ll be tough as shoe leather. You\u2019re looking for tender beef, not beef jerky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Monitor the internal temperature of your beef with a good instant-read thermometer. Aim for 125\u00b0F for medium-rare (which is what I cook my fajita beef to) and 135\u00b0F for medium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Slice Your Beef Against the Grain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All the cuts mentioned in this article have a lot of muscle fibers. They\u2019re economical cuts of meat for a reason &#8211; these muscles get used more than others and are tougher than the less used muscles of the cow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One way to make the cuts seem more tender is by slicing the beef thinly against the grain. Inspect your steak, and note the direction of the grain that the fibers run. Cutting the steak at a 90-degree angle across the grain into 1\/4\u201d strips will make it easier to chew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, before you go, I&#8217;d like to show you my recipe for an original fajita made out of skirt steak.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Authentic Mexican Style Fajita Recipe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ll be using skirt steak for this original fajita recipe. You&#8217;re free to use a flank, hanger, or flap steak. Let&#8217;s get fired up.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note: This recipe calls for a \u201cplancha,\u201d flattop-style grill to cook on. Similar cookers, like the popular Blackstone flattop, would also work. You could also use a cast iron pan or a sheet pan placed on top of the grates of your gas or charcoal grill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Makes 12 servings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ingredients<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>2.5lbs of flank or skirt steak<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3.5 tablespoons of fajita seasoning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 yellow onion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 green and 1 red pepper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 Roma tomato<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>12 flour tortillas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 tablespoon cooking oil or butter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Steak-Fajitas-with-Guacamole-and-Lime-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Steak Fajitas with Guacamole and Lime\" class=\"wp-image-18146\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Steak-Fajitas-with-Guacamole-and-Lime.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Steak-Fajitas-with-Guacamole-and-Lime-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Steak-Fajitas-with-Guacamole-and-Lime-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Method&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Turn on the Plancha Grill<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Get your plancha flat top grill fired up and hot<strong>. I shoot for around 500\u00b0F &#8211;<\/strong> this is a screaming hot temperature that will sear your beef beautifully. If you have two burners, set one to high heat and the other to low heat. Use the high heat side to cook on, and use the side with lower heat as a warmer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Trim and Cut the Steaks&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step is to have the skirt steak trimmed up and cut. Specifically, you should the steak lengthwise into about <strong>two-and-a-half-inch thin strip<\/strong>s.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, cut the steak into bite-sized strips across the grain. They&#8217;re going to shrink a little as they cook. A sharp knife and cold meat make the job much quicker and easier.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your steak is cut into thin strips, season it with 2.5 tablespoons of your favorite fajita seasoning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Cut Your Veggies&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Veggies give fajitas a bright pop of color and a delightful crunch. A <strong>Roma<\/strong> <strong>tomato<\/strong> will be great if you can find one, but other tomatoes will work, too. Some people don\u2019t use tomatoes in their recipes, but I like tomatoes on my sizzling platter.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dice the tomatoes into 1\/4\u201d chunks. Julienne your peppers and onions into long, thin strips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Season your veggies with the remaining tablespoon of seasoning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Oil the Cooking Surface&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Add a little cooking oil to the plancha. Regular old vegetable oil works great, but so will any other cooking oil. A tablespoon is enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Cook the Diced Onions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Throw some diced onions on the side of the plancha that&#8217;s hot. I like to put the onions on first, ahead of the other veggies. They take a little longer to get soft. Keep turning them so they don&#8217;t burn. Do this for about 30 seconds or maybe a minute.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6: Cook the Green and Red Pepper&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>After that, get the peppers on the hot side of the grill. Cook for a couple of minutes, until they\u2019ve softened and have darkened. Move all the veggies to the cooler side of the grill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note: if you don\u2019t have a warming burner, place your veggies on a plate and cover them with foil. They\u2019ll stay nice and hot while the beef is cooking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 7: Add the Steak to the Grill&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, get that beef on the plancha. If the grill surface looks dry, add a little more oil. As you drop the slices on, they should make a nice sizzle. Spread the pieces out a little bit first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep the meat moving because that plancha will be very hot &#8211; you don&#8217;t want the beef to burn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The thin strips of beef will cook quickly &#8211; likely in under five minutes. Check the temp with an instant-read thermometer. You\u2019re shooting for 125\u00b0F for medium rare. If you don\u2019t have an instant-read thermometer, you can cut it into a strip &#8211; medium rare beef will be a rosy pink color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 8: Add the Veggies to the Beef&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the meat is done, go ahead and mix the veggies and beef together. Add the tomatoes. Turn off the heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 9: Warm Your Tortilla&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s time to get the tortilla warmed up. Gather the meat and veggies off to the warming side and <strong>place the tortillas<\/strong> on the plancha so they can warm up. Add a little bit of oil before throwing the tortillas on.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let the tortillas cook for around thirty seconds per side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 10: Assemble Your Fajitas&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Scoop up some beef and veggies on top of the warmed flour tortilla. You can add salsa, pico de Gallo, creme fr\u00e9che, squeezed lime juice, or any of your favorite toppings on top of the fajitas. Feast on the delicious meal you\u2019ve grilled.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Steak-Fajitas-Ready-to-Assemble-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Steak Fajitas Ready to Assemble\" class=\"wp-image-18145\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Steak-Fajitas-Ready-to-Assemble.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Steak-Fajitas-Ready-to-Assemble-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Steak-Fajitas-Ready-to-Assemble-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Which is Better for Fajitas, Flank or Skirt Steak?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I prefer skirt steak over flank steak for fajitas because it&#8217;s great for searing. It&#8217;s also the traditional cut for classic steak fajitas. That said, they are similar cuts of meat, and both will make fantastic steak fajitas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Is There Another Name for Skirt Steak?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Outside of the US, skirt steak is also known as arrachera, Romanian tenderloin, Philadelphia steak, or Romanian steak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Should I Cut Steak Before Cooking for Fajitas?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, you should cut the steak thinly before cooking. Also, it should be sliced across the grain to maximize tenderness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The skirt steak is the <strong>authentic fajita steak, <\/strong>but you can also use a flank, flap, or hanger steak.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The good thing about this recipe is that it&#8217;s easy to cook. Buy a steak, and chop it across the grain. Keep the grill hot, then sear it, and wow!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Serve your steak fajitas with a warm tortilla, some lime wedges, and any other toppings you like. The mouthwatering combination is a treat you&#8217;ll keep coming back for.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I think skirt steak is the best cut of steak for fajitas. It cooks fast over a hot grill, can soak up a marinade with ease (if you\u2019re using one), and it\u2019s meltingly tender and with a rich, beefy flavor. Fajita night at my house is a weekly event, and there\u2019s not a cut of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":15014,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"table_tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6700"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6700"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6700\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18149,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6700\/revisions\/18149"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15014"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6700"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6700"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6700"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=6700"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}